Hot Topics:

Duane Barbati named new managing editor of Daily News

Daily News Report

Posted:
01/11/2014 09:21:55 PM MST

Duane Barbati concentrates on writing a story for the Daily News' website and print edition on Friday. Barbati was named the news organization's managing editor on Friday. He will assume his new duties on Jan. 27. (John Bear/Daily News)

Veteran newspaperman Duane Barbati has been named the new managing editor of the Alamogordo Daily News.

Barbati, a native of the Detroit area who has been with the newspaper since October 2008 as the organization's crime and political reporter, will replace Michael Johnson, who is leaving to become editor of three daily newspapers in Ohio and West Virginia with Civitas Media, a new company based in Davidson, N.C.

"I am honored and fortunate to be able to lead the Daily News into the future," Barbati said. "I want to thank (Daily News General Manager) Carol Burgess, (Las Cruces Sun-News Publisher) Frank Leto and (El Paso Times Editor) Robert Moore for having faith in me to take over this position. I also want to thank Michael Johnson for suggesting me as a candidate for the position. Without their support and constant guidance throughout my years, I would have never been able to do this."

Barbati graduated in 2004 from Wayne State University in Detroit with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He has worked at newspapers throughout New Mexico in various roles. The Daily News will be his first in the role of managing editor.

"I would also like to thank Detroit veteran newsman and my WSU advisor Jack Lessenberry, who has helped me throughout the years," Barbati said."First and foremost, I want to thank my mother and father for being my parents. I can't thank them enough. Without them, I could have never went into journalism. I also want to thank my brother, who is my friend and mentor."

Advertisement

"I will miss Alamogordo," Johnson said. "I love New Mexico and all the opportunities it has given to me and my family, but the time was right to turn over the keys to someone else and embark on a new challenge. I believe Duane is more than capable of guiding this newspaper and is one of my hardest working reporters. He will continue to be a hard-working managing editor for this company and community.

"The staff at the Daily News is, without a doubt, the best I have ever worked with during my 26-year career in journalism," said Johnson, who took over as managing editor of the ADN in November 2008. "The people of this community truly don't know -- or appreciate -- how lucky they are to have a daily newspaper staffed with dedicated journalists as the one I am leaving. I will miss them dearly, but I know they will be in good hands with Duane. I wish this staff and newspaper nothing but the best."

Barbati will officially assume managing editor duties on Jan. 27.

"I have always believed in the Daily News and its staff," he said. "They do a very good job in reporting the news of this community. I am happy to be able to stay in Alamogordo and continue to work hard for the people of this community and Otero County.

"I just want to take it one step at a time. Now it's time to go to work."

During the last five-plus years under Johnson's leadership, the Daily News won 49 editorial and advertising awards from the New Mexico Press Association -- more accolades than at any other stretch in recent memory. The newspaper also won the coveted "Member of the Year" honor in 2010 from The Associated Press for its role in producing and sharing vast amounts of news statewide with other news organizations.

With Barbati's editorial experience and knowledge of the community, General Manager Carol Burgess expects bigger and better things.

"I know that we have chosen the best man for the job," she said. "Duane has lived in and worked in our community for many years. I believe he will take the Alamogordo Daily News to new heights."

Moore, editor of the El Paso Times and vice-president of news for Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, said choosing Barbati was the clear choice.

"Duane knows Alamogordo well, and has been a great watchdog on local government in his time as a reporter at the Daily News," he said. "We're sorry to see Mike go. He has been a valuable part of our team in Tex-Mex, and he's done a good job of leading the Alamogordo newsroom. Please join me in congratulating Duane on this well-deserved promotion."

OUARZAZATE, Morocco (AP) — The people are restive, the priesthood is scheming and a fanatic band of insurgents known as the zealots are plotting assassinations — and now to make matters worse, the body of a condemned cult-leader known as Jesus has disappeared from the tomb, apparently following some ancient prophecy. Full Story